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single engine vs twin engine??/v drive vs outdrive

We have two houseboats in mind, one with a single engine 350 with outdrive, other is twin engine 305 with v drive. Any opinions or info on pros and cons of either would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I've never had a single engine HB. But, I will tell you that I can spin my 50' houseboat with twin V-Drives almost like spinning a skid steer on dry land. I also had a 30' SeaRay with twin I/O's. After owning two boats with twins, a single engine HB would not be a consideration for me. So there's my 2 pennies worth.

This has been discussed many times. If it's not a money thing twins win hands down. A single outdrive houseboat is a wandering bear to at low speeds. Sorta like pushing a chain. However when you learn to handle them you are an above average boater.

Twin vee drives are minimal maintenance because the machinery is inside the boat. Handling is as good as it gets and performance is much better.

In 60+ years of boating I never met a man with twins that went back to a single.

I had a 32 foot single I/o last season. It was tough to get a handle on when driving. If you didn't really try you would snake across the river. I have since purchased a 40 foot twin engine with v-drives. It makes such a difference in steering. Also dock maneuvering is much easier as well. I am still getting the hang of that though.

My first two boats were singles. First 42 ft pontoon and 2nd was a 46 ft aluminum hull. My current boat has twin 5.0 liters and I wouldn't go back to a single. I could control it fine but not as well as twins. In addition, the twin motors gives me peace of mind that if something happens, I still have power to get back to my slip. I had the motor quit on me with my 46fter and had to get towed back. The motor also died on me trying to dock once. Tagged it pretty good. No damage but at least if one motor were to die on me now, I still have power.

Got a 60' aluminum single inboard. Man that thing is a pig to drive. If you got a tight berth you would have to have a thruster. That being said I am good with it. I use it to push me out 10 miles at most and though it does like to track a little like a snake I have adapted and don't notice. Would I take it on a long trip .. Nope!